Difference Between
versus

Joker vs. Clown: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Joker is a character known for cunning, often humorous or mischievous behavior; Clown is a performer primarily in circuses, known for exaggerated comedy and entertaining acts.
Joker vs. Clown

Key Differences

The term "Joker" often denotes a person who is witty or playful, typically using clever humor or intelligence to amuse others. In contrast, a "Clown" is associated with physical comedy, characterized by exaggerated actions, costumes, and makeup, primarily for entertainment in circuses or children's parties.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Jokers are generally viewed as tricksters or clever characters, sometimes with a dark or sarcastic undertone. Clowns, however, are traditionally seen as joyful, silly figures, designed to elicit laughter through slapstick humor and visual gags.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Culturally, the Joker often symbolizes unpredictability and a subversive approach to societal norms. Clowns, conversely, are symbols of joy and innocence, often employed to provide lighthearted entertainment and to amuse audiences of all ages.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
In literature and media, a Joker character is often complex, sometimes portraying a villain or an anti-hero with a deep backstory. Clowns are typically straightforward comedic characters, their purpose clear-cut: to bring humor and fun.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
The Joker, in many narratives, is used as a metaphor for chaos or anarchy, often challenging the status quo. Clowns, on the other hand, are generally apolitical, serving as figures of pure entertainment without deeper societal commentary.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Primary Role

Trickster, often with an intelligent or dark twist.
Joyful entertainer, often in circuses or parties.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Symbolism

Anarchy, cleverness, sometimes malevolence.
Innocence, joy, physical comedy.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Narrative Role

Often complex, can be a villain or anti-hero.
Typically simple, focused on humor.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Typical Behavior

Witty, cunning, sometimes sinister.
Exaggerated, slapstick, lighthearted.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Audience

Usually adults, due to complex themes.
All ages, especially children.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Joker and Clown Definitions

Joker

Trickster
The Joker pulled a clever prank, leaving everyone in stitches.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Clown

Circus Performer
The clown's acrobatic stunts were breathtaking.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Joker

Wild Card
He was the Joker of the group, always full of surprises.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Clown

Entertainer
The clown juggled skillfully, delighting the children.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Joker

Witty Character
The Joker's witty remarks always lightened the mood.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Clown

Silly Figure
The clown's goofy dance was hilariously entertaining.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Joker

Mysterious Figure
The Joker in the tale was an enigmatic, elusive character.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Clown

A buffoon or jester who entertains by jokes, antics, and tricks in a circus, play, or other presentation.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Joker

One who tells or plays jokes.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

One who jokes and plays tricks.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Joker

An insolent person who seeks to make a show of cleverness.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

A coarse, rude, vulgar person; a boor.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Joker

(Informal) An annoying or inept person
Some joker is blocking my driveway.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

A peasant; a rustic.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Joker

(Games) A playing card, usually printed with a picture of a jester, used in certain games as the highest-ranking card or as a wild card.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

To behave like a buffoon or jester.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Joker

A clause that is included in a legislative bill or a contract in order to render the bill or contract inoperative or oppressive in some respect while appearing to be innocuous until the harm has been done.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

To perform as a buffoon or jester.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Joker

An unforeseen but important difficulty, fact, or circumstance.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

To krump, especially in clown makeup.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Joker

A deceptive means of getting the better of someone.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

A slapstick performance artist often associated with a circus and usually characterized by bright, oversized clothing, a red nose, face paint, and a brightly colored wig.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Joker

A person who makes jokes.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

A person who acts in a silly fashion.
He was regarded as the clown of the school, always playing pranks.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Joker

(slang) A funny person.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

A stupid or badly-behaved person.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Joker

A jester.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

(obsolete) A man of coarse nature and manners; an awkward fellow; an illbred person; a boor.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Joker

A playing card that features a picture of a joker (that is, a jester) and that may be used as a wild card in some card games.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

(obsolete) One who works upon the soil; a rustic; a churl; a yokel.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Joker

An unspecified, vaguely disreputable person.
Some joker keeps throwing eggs at my windows.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

A clownfish.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Joker

A man.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

To act in a silly or playful fashion.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Joker

A clause in a contract that undermines its apparent provisions.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

To ridicule.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Joker

(military) A friendly unit that acts as a suspected hostile unit in a military excercise.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

A man of coarse nature and manners; an awkward fellow; an ill-bred person; a boor.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Joker

One who makes jokes or jests.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

One who works upon the soil; a rustic; a churl.
The clown, the child of nature, without guile.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Joker

See Best bower, under 2d Bower.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

The fool or buffoon in a play, circus, etc.
The clown shall make those laugh whose lungs are tickle o'the sere.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Joker

An extra card usually included in a deck of playing cards, having the same design as the others on the back, but on the face having a picture of a jester. It is not included in the deck used in most games, but in certain games may be included and then takes on a special value, such as the highest-valued card, or a wild card.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

To act as a clown; - with it.
Beshrew me, he clowns it properly indeed.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Joker

A clause placed in a document, such as a contract or a piece of legislation, not itself appearing significant, but in a subtle way substantially changing the effect of the document.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

A rude or vulgar fool
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Joker

Any fact or condition which is unknown or not apparent, which reverses an apparently advantageous position; a kicker.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

A person who amuses others by ridiculous behavior
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Joker

A person; a fellow; a chap; - usually used in a mildly disparaging sense; as, who's the joker who left the ice cream on the table?.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

Act as or like a clown
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Joker

A person who enjoys telling or playing jokes
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

Funny Character
At the party, the clown's antics had everyone laughing.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Joker

A person who does something thoughtless or annoying;
Some joker is blocking the driveway
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

Costumed Comedian
Dressed in vibrant colors, the clown was the life of the party.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Joker

Villain
In the story, the Joker was the cunning antagonist.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

Can Jokers be serious characters?

Yes, Jokers can be complex and serious, sometimes portrayed as villains or anti-heroes.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Is the Joker a universal archetype?

The Joker archetype is widespread, appearing in various cultures and narratives.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

What is the role of a Clown in entertainment?

Clowns primarily serve as entertainers, often in circuses, using physical comedy to amuse audiences.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

What differentiates a Joker from a Clown in literature?

Jokers are often more nuanced and complex, while clowns are straightforward comedic characters.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Can Clowns be part of serious narratives?

Yes, clowns can appear in serious narratives, often providing contrast or exploring deeper themes.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Is the Joker always a solitary character?

Not necessarily; Jokers can be part of a group but often stand out due to their unique traits.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Is the Joker typically a comedic character?

The Joker can be comedic, but often with a clever, sometimes dark twist.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

What does a Joker symbolize?

A Joker often symbolizes unpredictability and cleverness, sometimes with a darker undertone.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Are Clowns always associated with circuses?

While commonly found in circuses, clowns also perform at parties, events, and in various forms of media.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Do Clowns have a historical background?

Yes, clowns have a rich history, evolving from court jesters and theatrical figures.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Do Clowns have a specific style of dress?

Yes, clowns typically wear exaggerated, colorful costumes and makeup.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

What type of humor is associated with Clowns?

Clowns are known for slapstick, visual gags, and lighthearted humor.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Can a Joker be a positive character?

Yes, some Joker characters are portrayed positively, using their wit for good.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Can the Joker character be a hero?

In some narratives, the Joker can be portrayed as a flawed hero or anti-hero.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Are Clowns always funny?

While intended to be funny, clowns can be perceived differently by different audiences.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

What is the global impact of Clowns and Jokers?

Both have made significant cultural impacts, symbolizing various aspects of humor, trickery, and human nature.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Can the Joker role be played by anyone?

The Joker role can be varied and is not limited to a specific type of actor.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Are Clowns considered timeless characters?

Clowns are seen as timeless, adapting their acts to fit contemporary audiences.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

What emotional tone does a Joker bring to a story?

Jokers can bring a range of tones, from lighthearted to dark and suspenseful.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Is clowning an art form?

Yes, clowning is considered an art form, requiring skill in physical comedy and performance.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Share this page

Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

Popular Comparisons

Trending Comparisons

Android TV vs. Tizen TVAndroid TV vs. Tizen TV
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 26, 2024
Android TV is a smart TV platform powered by Google's Android OS, offering extensive app compatibility, while Tizen TV is Samsung's smart TV OS, known for its smooth interface and integration with Samsung devices.
Mom vs. SonMom vs. Son
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
December 29, 2024
Mom typically refers to a female parent, emphasizing nurturing and caregiving roles, while a son is a male child of parents, highlighting familial lineage and male offspring dynamics.
Pastor vs. ReverendPastor vs. Reverend
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 23, 2024
A pastor is a religious leader of a Christian congregation, while reverend is a title used to address or refer to Christian clergy.
Million vs. BillionMillion vs. Billion
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 29, 2024
A million is 1,000,000, while a billion is 1,000,000,000; a billion is a thousand times larger than a million.
Shriners vs. MasonsShriners vs. Masons
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 29, 2024
Shriners are a subgroup within Freemasonry known for charitable work, especially children's hospitals; Masons are members of the larger, older fraternity of Freemasonry with broader goals and activities.
Symmetric vs. SymmetricalSymmetric vs. Symmetrical
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 9, 2024
Symmetric implies balance and equality in parts or arrangement, while symmetrical explicitly refers to mirror-like or harmonious proportions.
Rescind vs. RevokeRescind vs. Revoke
Dua FatimaDua Fatima
July 10, 2024
Rescind involves officially cancelling a decision or agreement; revoke means to officially cancel the validity of something, often involving rights or licenses.
Coordinator vs. SupervisorCoordinator vs. Supervisor
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
September 30, 2024
A coordinator aligns team tasks for efficiency, focusing on project logistics; a supervisor oversees staff performance, guiding and evaluating work.
Positivism vs. Post-PositivismPositivism vs. Post-Positivism
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
May 26, 2024
Positivism emphasizes observable, empirical evidence and the scientific method, while post-positivism recognizes the limitations of pure objectivity and incorporates subjective perspectives.
Fascism vs. DictatorshipFascism vs. Dictatorship
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
March 2, 2024
Fascism is a political ideology with authoritarian nationalism; dictatorship is a governance form with absolute power in one person or group, differing in ideology and structure.
McAfee LiveSafe vs. McAfee Total ProtectionMcAfee LiveSafe vs. McAfee Total Protection
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 22, 2024
McAfee LiveSafe offers unlimited device protection including identity, data, and personal security, while McAfee Total Protection focuses more on malware, virus defense, and internet security for limited devices.
Mercy vs. CompassionMercy vs. Compassion
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
December 18, 2024
Mercy involves leniency or forgiveness towards someone in one’s power, often not giving a punishment deserved, while compassion is the empathetic understanding and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.
Pulley vs. SheavePulley vs. Sheave
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
April 4, 2024
A pulley is a wheel on an axle designed to support movement and change of direction of a taut cable, while a sheave is the wheel part of a pulley system that specifically interacts with the cable.
NM3 vs. M3NM3 vs. M3
Hifza NasirHifza Nasir
April 19, 2024
NM3 measures gas volume under Normal conditions (0°C and 1.01325 bar), while M3 measures volume under the conditions at which it is measured, without standard adjustment.
ASCII vs. EBCDICASCII vs. EBCDIC
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 28, 2024
ASCII is a 7-bit character encoding standard for text; EBCDIC is an 8-bit character encoding used mainly in IBM mainframe systems.
Ash vs. SootAsh vs. Soot
Dua FatimaDua Fatima
November 19, 2024
Ash is the residue left after combustion, mainly composed of mineral matter, while soot is a fine black powder formed by incomplete combustion of fuel.
The Atlantic vs. The New YorkerThe Atlantic vs. The New Yorker
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 27, 2024
The Atlantic is a magazine focusing on news, politics, and cultural commentary, while The New Yorker features a mix of reporting, commentary, criticism, fiction, and cartoons.
Parish vs. CountyParish vs. County
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
February 26, 2024
A parish is a local church community or its jurisdiction area, whereas a county is a larger administrative division in a state or country.
Broadsheet vs. TabloidBroadsheet vs. Tabloid
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
November 2, 2024
Broadsheet is a large-format newspaper focusing on serious content; Tabloid is a smaller, sensational news-focused paper.
Paranormal vs. SupernaturalParanormal vs. Supernatural
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 26, 2024
Paranormal involves phenomena beyond scientific explanation, focusing on events like ghost sightings. Supernatural encompasses all beyond natural laws, including deities and magic.
TPU vs. PUTPU vs. PU
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
April 26, 2024
TPU is a type of thermoplastic elastomer with high elasticity and durability, while PU, or polyurethane, is versatile with varying hardness and used in multiple applications.
Microfiber vs. PolyesterMicrofiber vs. Polyester
Dua FatimaDua Fatima
March 1, 2024
Microfiber is a type of polyester with finer threads, offering superior softness and cleaning ability, while polyester is more versatile and durable.
Celestial vs. TerrestrialCelestial vs. Terrestrial
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
December 8, 2024
Celestial refers to objects or phenomena beyond Earth's atmosphere, like stars or planets, while terrestrial pertains to Earth and its inhabitants.
Cosmology vs. CosmogonyCosmology vs. Cosmogony
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed
September 8, 2024
Cosmology studies the universe's structure, origin, and evolution, focusing on laws and theories, while cosmogony delves into specific myths, beliefs, and theories about the universe's creation.

Featured Comparisons

New Comparisons